System Method and Apparatus for Solar Powered Display Panels

ABSTRACT

A method, apparatus, and system for using solar panels to power display panels, wherein the solar panels are powered by solar energy which passes through the display panels. Variations of this disclosure include embodiments where cameras are hidden behind the display panels to display false images or video opposing display panels, embodiments where the display panels show prerecorded feed, or variations where a magnifying glass display panel amplifies the energy to the solar panels. In one preferred embodiment of the disclosure, the display panel may serve the dual function of acting as both monitor and magnifying glass thereby amplifying the solar energy absorbed in an environment that obscures said energy. A preferred embodiment of this disclosure comprises solar panels on the front face of the tiles of an led monitor, protruded by LED bulbs, said solar panels behind the display panel and send collected energy to a rechargeable battery.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/786,840 filed Mar. 15, 2013. The entire disclosure of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/786,840 is incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The general field of the disclosure herein relates to methods, systems,or apparatuses involving absorption of solar energy and display panels.More specifically this absorption may be carried out wherein the solarpanel is directly behind the display panel and the display panel allowssome form of light to pass through and power the solar panel. Themethods, systems, and apparatuses of the disclosure involve the solarpanel being used to power the display device, any number of solar panelsbeing used to power any number of display devices, or any number ofsolar panels being used to power any number of display devices and otherapparatuses, including but not limited to moving objects, facilities, orcameras which may collect feed by looking through said display panels,or said display panels and said solar panels, and may relay said feed toany number of other display panels, including those directly behind saidsolar panels. The solar panels may work in conjunction with any numberof other sources of energy including but not limited to kinetic energyabsorbed from a user's movement, a rechargeable DC battery, or oneanother, to power the display devices or any other apparatuses.

BACKGROUND

Solar power is a form of alternative energy with seemingly limitlesspotential. Whereas the world's resources are finite, the power generatedby the Sun and the billions of stars via fission reactions is seeminglylimitless. Solar power has been used for everything from powering homesto powering auxiliary batteries for space flight. Studies have shownthat the solar panels we use contain several drawbacks. (“Removing theRare Element Limitations From Solar Energy” Pleging, Steven,AltEnergyMag.com, October, 2011). Pleging's study finds that the maindrawbacks to solar panels include rarity, expense and efficiency. Solarpanels are currently rare and expensive because the photovoltaic (“PV”)panels currently used to in their manufacture contain rare earthmaterials. He states that PV manufacturers use rare elements to createtheir semiconductor layers at very small scales (1-8 μm). Elements suchas gallium arsenide, tellurium and indium have limited global suppliesthat are controlled by only a few countries. Solar panel powerconversion efficiency (“PCE”) is often limited to less than 17% of theenergy absorbed, and currently leading manufacturers are able to achieveabout 20-22% PCE. At that efficiency a 1 m² solar panel is capable ofsupplying approximately 220 watts of electrical energy. That is a littleless than the amount of energy consumed by an average 42″ Liquid CrystalDisplay (“LCD”) monitor, whereas the surface area of 1 m² isapproximately equivalent to a 60″ LCD monitor. That means that a solarpanel is currently incapable of fully powering an LCD monitor of equalsurface area. While this may make it seem that a solar panel isincapable of powering such a display device, several solar panels usedin tandem may overcome such limitations. Solar Panel efficiency has alsoincreased steadily over time from the first solar panels in the 2%efficiency range. Furthermore display monitor energy consumption hasalso gone down from the plasma screen televisions which required 350watts of electrical energy to power a 42″ screen, to the energyefficient Light Emitting Diode (“LED”) monitors which currently requireas low as 96 watts of energy for power. That means a modern solar panelof equal area could easily power such a screen. A solar panel imbeddedbeneath the surface of such a screen would receive a reduced amount ofsolar energy to power it, but even then could power such a monitor ifmore than half of the solar is absorbed or refracted by the outerdisplay panel. Certain complications exist in solar panels existingbehind a display panel, due to the orientation of the sun or the factthat LED monitors use LCD screens which may polarize in a way to allowsunlight to pass through at certain times and not pass through atothers, depending on whether the panels are active or inactive. Thereare methods of overcoming these obstacles, including but not limited tousing a rechargeable battery to store energy collected by the solarpanels when the liquid crystal displays are polarized to allow lightthrough, and using that reserve energy for power, or having externalsolar panels not covered by display monitors. Such a system may haveuses including but not limited to advertising and hiding objects.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure is a system, method, and apparatus for using solarpanels to power display panels, wherein the solar panels are powered bylight from the sun, which passes through the display panels. Variationsof this disclosure include embodiments where cameras are hidden behindthe display panels to display false images or video on any number ofdisplay panels, embodiments where the display panels show prerecordedimages or video feed, or any combination therein. In one preferredembodiment of the disclosure, the display panel may serve the dualfunction of acting as both monitor and magnifying glass, or contain amagnifying glass directly behind it, thereby amplifying the solar energyabsorbed. One preferred embodiment of this disclosure may be a displayapparatus comprising an LED display monitor, wherein the display panelallows some solar energy to pass through the screen to an area where theLED lights are located. In this embodiment the LED lights my protrudethrough an array of solar panels which function as tiles in the cabinetand may be wired from the other side to provide power to the displayapparatus. In other embodiments cameras may be located in the displaypanel or the tiles as well.

Among the objectives of this disclosure is to provide a system, method,and device for powering display monitors without the need for sources ofenergy other than the sun. This could be used for a variety of purposes,including but not limited to: advertising, by displaying a changingimage on an automobile which does not draw the automobiles internalpower; changing the color of an automobile by displaying a differentcolor or image on display monitors, surrounding the automobile'sexterior, at the selection of the user, without using the vehicles ownbattery, or by supplementing it; hiding a building by displaying theimage directly behind it; or hiding a plane by displaying an image ofwhat's directly above, behind, below, or in front of it to any externalobserver.

While it is envisioned that this disclosure will be used for thepurposes of advertisement, false image projection (such as making a carappear to be a different color), or hiding objects, other uses arepossible.

While the preferred embodiments of the disclosure are shown in theaccompanying drawings, it to be understood that said embodiments aresusceptible to modification and alteration while still maintaining thespirit of my invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 is an illustration of my apparatusincluding a display panel overtop of a solar panel.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of my system for a display panel overtop of asolar panel, wherein the solar panel absorbs energy and transmits it topower the display panel.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of my method for absorbing energy from thesun, which passes through a display panel and into a solar panel,wherein the solar panel may absorb the energy and transmits it to powerthe display panel.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of my disclosure wherein a camera is behindthe display panel, solar panel or any combination therein, and can relayan image to the display panel or another display panel.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of my disclosure wherein a camera is assistedin relaying images to any number of display panels by a computerprocessor, which may alter the image so that it matches what theperspective would be of an observer who may be detected by the camera,and their proximity analyzed by the computer processor such that italters the display panel accordingly.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of my disclosure wherein a network of camerasis assisted, by a computer processor, in relaying images to any numberof display panels facing the opposite direction of said cameras.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of my disclosure wherein a network of camerasis assisted, by a computer processor, in relaying images to any numberof display panels facing the opposite direction of said cameras, and afeed is displayed on an overhead camera projecting a false image of whatwas once an accurate representation of what was there from thatperspective.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a circular treadmill with a projectiontent, solar panel, image array, battery backup power which all interfacewith the invention in the system of said embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional orthogonal view of an led monitor comprisinga display panel, an led cabinet, comprising several LED tiles, the frontface of which may be comprised of solar panels, which may contain aplurality of holes, through which LED bulbs and cameras may protrude.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In this disclosure the term ‘display panel’ refers to any panel whichmay display a feed on a screen, including but not limited to a monitorwhich displays a single image, a monitor which may display a range ofimages, a monitor which may display a video, or a monitor which maydisplay a video feed that alters based on the perspective of anobserver. The display panel may be further comprised of a variety oftools, including but not limited to a magnifying glass, or have amagnifying glass imbedded directly underneath it; any number of camera'simbedded into or beneath it; or any number of solar panels imbedded intoor beneath it. The display panel may display feed it receives from anyexternal or internal feed, including but not limited to cameras, a dvr,or a computer processor.

The computer processor is a device which receives, processes, stores, ortransmits (information or data) or any combination thereof. Any numberof cameras may send a signal to the computer processor, any displaydevice, or any combination therein. The computer processor may receivethe data or information from a variety of sources including but notlimited to any cameras, other computer processors, the internet,preloaded data, or any combination thereof. The computer processor maythen process the data information in a number of different waysincluding but not limited to analyzing it comparatively against thedistance from another display panel or against data from another camera,and displaying a feed based on that data which adjusts for the distancebetween display panels or observers accordingly.

In some embodiments of the disclosure the device may be a display panel,110, directly overtop of a solar panel, 112, directly imbedded into anapparatus. In certain embodiments apparatus may include the displaypanel's wiring in a compartment behind said solar panel. In otherembodiments the apparatus may require no such wiring compartment.

In some embodiments of the disclosure solar energy, 208, may passthrough a display panel, 210, and feed a solar panel, 212, directlyimbedded into an apparatus. The Solar Energy may be used to power adisplay panel.

In other embodiments the display apparatus may be powered by othersources, including but not limited to other solar panels, and onlysupplemented by the solar panel imbedded into the apparatus. In otherembodiments the solar panel may be used to supply power to the displaypanel, as well as other objects, including but not limited torechargeable batteries.

In some embodiments of the disclosure solar energy may come directlyfrom the sun, 308, through a display panel, 310, and feed a solar panel,312.

In certain embodiments the lack of a wiring compartment may allow onobserver to see through both the solar panel and the display device fromone side of the apparatus, either transparently or translucently.

In some embodiments of the disclosure solar energy, 408, may passthrough a display panel, 410, and feed a solar panel, 412. The SolarEnergy may be used to power the display apparatus, as well as a camera,which may be located somewhere behind the solar panel, 416. The cameramay supply a feed to a variety of display panels, including but notlimited to one directly in front of it, such that the feed it records isdisplayed on either side of said display panel, or both sides of saiddisplay panel.

In certain embodiments this could serve the purpose of simultaneouslyallowing an observer on one side of the display panel being able to seethe same image an observer on another side of the panel is seeing,making them aware of what the other observer is seeing when they look atthe display panel. This may work best if the display apparatus has adisplay panel on both sides.

In some embodiments of the disclosure solar energy, 508, may passthrough a display panel, 510, and feed a solar panel, 512, directlyimbedded into an apparatus, 514, also housing any number of camera, 516.These cameras may supply a feed to any number of computer processor,518, which feed any number of display panels. In certain embodiments thecameras may be located between the display panel and the solar panel. Inother embodiments the camera may be behind both the camera and the solarpanel and be forced to see through both of them. In other embodimentsthe camera or a network of cameras may be imbedded into the solar panelor the display panel.

In certain embodiments the display panel may also have a microscopiclens imbedded into it or under it, which serves the purpose ofamplifying the solar energy which may then be absorbed by the solarpanel. In these instances if overheating becomes a problem for the solarpanel integrity, the solar panel can be used to directly power anynumber of cooling devices, including but not limited to cooling rods andfans, which would only activate when the solar panels activate, therebyindicating that the same solar energy which may cause it to overheat ispresent.

In some embodiments of the disclosure solar energy, 608, may passthrough a display panel, 610, and feed a solar panel, 612, directlyimbedded into an apparatus, 614, also housing any number cameras, 616.The camera may supply feed to a computer processor, 618, which analyzesand sends the feed to another display panel, 620, which faces theopposite direction of the camera that has sent its feed to the computerprocessor. In certain embodiments the opposite display panel may bedirectly in front of a solar panel, 622, which absorbs solar energy whenthe sun faces it, and is housed in an apparatus, 624, that may alsocontain any number of cameras, 626.

In certain embodiments this could serve the purpose of simultaneouslyallowing an observer on one side of the display panel being able to seethe image collected by a camera behind the opposite display panel, whichthe computer then transmits to the display panel, which may be on theopposite side of a wall or a ship's hull in certain embodiments. Thiswould allow the user to know what is on the other side of the wall orthe hull of a ship, which in certain embodiments may be hidden to thenaked eye, by the opposite display panel displaying an image from acamera on the opposite side of the building, or the ship.

In some embodiments of the disclosure solar energy, 708, may passthrough a display panel, 710, and feed a solar panel, 712, directlyimbedded into an apparatus, 714, also housing a any number of cameras,716. The cameras may supply a feed of data to a computer processor, 718,which analyzes and feeds the data to an opposite display panel, 720,which faces the opposite direction of the camera that feeds the data tothe computer processor. In certain embodiments the opposite displaypanel may be directly in front of a solar panel, 722, which absorbssolar energy when the sun faces it, and is housed in an apparatus, 724,that may also contain any number of cameras, 726. Any number of displaypanels, 728, may also be located above this system, and may contain asolar panel imbedded in them as well, 730.

In this embodiment the above solar panel may be used for added energyand cooling. Additionally the above display may simply project an imageor a looped feed of any number of images or videos that were taken fromits location previously. This could be used to hide an object includingbut not limited to a building, tent, or city, from being seen fromabove.

Another embodiment may involve an apparatus, 820, comprising a circulartrack or moving walkway, 822, with supports, 824, for handle bars, 826,which in certain embodiments may be powered by a battery, 828, which maybe wired, 829, to the system, or a solar panel, 830, which may be wired,832, to the system to supply power.

In some variations of the embodiment, the apparatus may be supplementedby a canopy pole, 834, attached to an overhead canopy, 836, which can becomprised of solar panels, which can also be present in side panels andused to display images on the display panels, 838, (which may bedirectly over top of the solar panels, allowing just enough light topass through to power the display, or charging a battery to do so at atime when enough light cannot pass through to power it) including falseimages as collected by any number of cameras, 840, connected via a wire,842, or wirelessly to a display panel.

In this embodiment a tent 844 can be mounted above the system forbenefits including added shade; concealment, through a false imagesbeing recorded on any number of cameras, 846, and displayed on a displaymonitor; protection from the elements; and additional solar absorptionthrough panels comprising the tent, 848.

An embodiment of this disclosure may be a display apparatus, 950,comprising a frame, 951, upon which may be placed multiple LED tiles,952, comprising solar panels on their front face, 954 with holes drilledfor an array of LED bulbs, 956, and cameras, 958, behind an LCD displaypanel, 960.

In such an embodiment the solar panels may directly power the LEDs andcameras or send energy to any number of rechargeable batteries to laterpower the LEDs and cameras or both. In certain variations therechargeable battery may be imbedded in the frame of the LED tiles, orelsewhere in the cabinet of the monitor. In other variations therechargeable battery may be external to the display apparatus.

In other variations of this embodiment the display panel may itself be,or contain behind it a magnifying glass to amplify the solar panelenergy collected. In cases where the environment does not provide thecooling necessary a system could be designed to cool the solar panelsand avoid overheating, such that when the solar panels detect light,they supply solar power to devices which provide cooling, including butnot limited to cooling coils and fans. This process may reduce theenergy expenditure devoted to cooling to times when it is needed becauseat all other times sunlight will not reach the solar panels and theyshould not overheat.

It is understood that the various preferred embodiments are shown anddescribed above to illustrate different possible features of theinvention and the varying ways in which these features may be combined.Apart from combining the different features of the above embodiments invarying ways, other modifications are also considered to be within thescope of the invention.

The invention is not intended to be limited to the preferred embodimentsdescribed above, but rather is intended to be limited only by the claimsset out below. Thus, the invention encompasses all alternate embodimentsthat fall literally or equivalently within the scope of these claims.

1. A display apparatus comprising: one or more solar panels; a displaypanel overtop of the solar panels; wherein light passes through thedisplay panel, thereby supplying energy to the solar panels, which inturn power the display panel.
 2. The display apparatus described inclaim 1, wherein the display apparatus comprises a liquid crystaldisplay panel.
 3. The display apparatus described in claim 2, whereinlight emitting diodes mounted behind the display panel are imbedded totiles, one or more faces of which is composed of one or more solarpanels.
 4. The display apparatus described in claim 1, wherein: thedisplay panel is a liquid crystal display panel, directly in front oneor more solar panels; and wherein the display panel further comprisesone or more cameras.
 5. The display apparatus described in claim 4,wherein a magnifying glass is imbedded within the display apparatus,directly behind the display panel.
 6. The display apparatus described inclaim 5, further comprising a cooling system, wherein the cooling systemis powered by the solar panels, such that the cooling system becomesactive only when solar energy feed the solar panels.
 7. The displayapparatus described in claim 3, further comprising a rechargeablebattery; wherein the rechargeable battery supplies power to the lightemitting diodes at any time the display apparatus is active but unableto receive power from the solar panels.
 8. The display apparatusdescribed in claim 1, wherein a camera is imbedded beneath the displaypanel system, and wherein the camera transmits a signal of datacollected to any computer processor or any adjacent processor.
 9. Thedisplay apparatus described in claim 7, wherein a camera is imbeddedbeneath the display panel system, and wherein the camera transmits asignal of data collected to any computer processor or any adjacentprocessor, wherein the light is absorbed by solar panels imbeddedbeneath the display panels, and the energy collected by the solar panelsis used to power the display panels.
 10. The display apparatus describedin claim 7, wherein one or more cameras transmits a signal to a computerwhich transmits a signal to a display device directly opposite thecamera.
 11. A system of display panels which allow external light topass through the display panels, wherein the light is absorbed by solarpanels imbedded beneath the display panels, and the energy collected bythe solar panels is used to power the display panels.
 12. The systemdescribed in claim 11, further comprising: any number of camerasimbedded beneath the display panels; or any number of cameras imbeddedbeneath the solar panels; wherein the cameras transmit a signal to anydisplay panel via any wired or wireless means.
 13. The system describedin claim 12, wherein the cameras transmit collected data to a displaypanel facing the opposite direction of the camera.
 14. The systemdescribed in claim 12, wherein the video cameras transmit collected datain real time to a display panel facing the opposite direction of thevideo camera, thereby projecting a false image.
 15. The system describedin claim 14, wherein an array of display panels surround an object,thereby placing false images around the object.
 16. A method of hidingan object comprising: utilizing one or more display panels; utilizingone or more solar panels; and utilizing one or more cameras; wherein thedisplay devices allow light to pass through; wherein the solar panelspower the display panels, wherein the cameras see through the displaypanels, or wherein the cameras are imbedded in the display panels, andwherein the cameras send data to a computer processor; wherein thecomputer processor analyzes and adjusts the data; wherein the computerprocessor sends the data to any number of display panels; wherein thedisplay panels displays an image as collected by any number of camerasfacing the opposite direction of the display panels, and adjusted by thecomputer processors, such that the image appears to an observer to bethe same as if the object were not present.
 17. The method described inclaim 16, wherein an overhead display device projects an adjustedoverhead feed of the area beneath the object; wherein the feed wascollected at a time before the object was present; such that it appearsto an aerial observer to be the same as if the object were not present.18. The method described in claim 17, wherein the overhead feed is astill image.
 19. The method described in claim 18, wherein the overheadfeed is a prerecorded video feed;
 20. The method described in claim 19,wherein the object is surrounded on all sides by an array of displaydevices such that an observer from any direction cannot visually detectthe object with the naked eye.